The Larry Brown era is over in Detroit and he may be headed to New York.

But not if the Pistons have their way.

The two sides are negotiating the terms of a buyout that will end the Detroit leg of the Hall of Fame coach's career after just two seasons, which included two trips to the NBA Finals and a championship in 2004. A person familiar with the Pistons' thinking insists the deal would prohibit Brown from coaching the Knicks in 2005-06, but sources close to Brown say he would never agree to such a provision.

If a deal is struck that bars Brown from taking another job immediately, the Knicks would name Herb Williams, who had the job much of last season, as their coach. Of course, Detroit could have a change of heart if the Knicks are willing to offer compensation with either draft picks and/or cash.

The New York Daily News reported last week that the Knicks would be willing to make Brown the highest-paid coach in league history, offering him a deal at $12 million annually. Knicks president Isiah Thomas, who was unavailable for comment Monday, repeatedly has said he would not negotiate with Brown while the coach is under contract with the Pistons. Privately, the Knicks are saying they do not want to give the Pistons compensation. But if the Knicks really want Brown, they could offer an attractive package, considering Cablevision's resources plus two first-round picks Thomas owns next year.

Because the Knicks are years away from contending, Thomas may wait another year before going after Brown, when there would be no strings attached.